The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has officially declared Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as the undisputed leader and rallying point of the party in the state, following a series of conflicting statements from prominent party members. This declaration comes after both Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Benjamin Kalu separately expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for naming them as the “leader” of the Abia APC, sparking confusion and speculation within the party. In response, the Abia APC leadership, through its Publicity Secretary Uche Aguoru, issued a formal statement on Monday reaffirming Benjamin Kalu’s position as the sole leader of the party in the state.
Aguoru emphasized that Benjamin Kalu remains the “undisputed leader” of APC in Abia, a position solidified during the party’s recent congress. The statement also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda for their support and intervention in ensuring the smooth conduct of the state’s party congress. The leadership stressed that any attempt to challenge this arrangement or create parallel structures within the party would not be tolerated.
The APC in Abia warned that individuals or groups attempting to position themselves as leaders of the party in the state would do so at their own risk. Aguoru made it clear that the party’s leadership would firmly resist any effort, regardless of the person’s status or influence, to sow division or weaken party unity. He stressed that maintaining cohesion and internal peace is crucial for the party’s success in upcoming elections and governance.
The statement underscores the party’s commitment to avoiding internal conflicts that could undermine its electoral prospects in Abia State. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the APC is keen to project a united front and avoid the kind of leadership disputes that have plagued other political parties in Nigeria. The declaration of Benjamin Kalu as the sole leader is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support and prevent factionalism within the party.
As the APC prepares for future political engagements, the party’s leadership in Abia is focused on strengthening its organizational structure and ensuring loyalty to the declared leadership. The party’s message is clear: unity, discipline, and adherence to the official hierarchy are non-negotiable. This move is expected to influence how the APC campaigns and mobilizes support across Abia’s local government areas in the coming electoral cycle.
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